Marine life off Bournemouth on the English south coast is set to be enriched by Europe’s first artificial surf reef.

The reef, one of only four in the world, should bring real benefit to the local fish populations, benefit the coastline as it will help reduce coastal erosion and become a diving hotspot.

Construction of the £2.68 million structure hit delays due to the concerns of local commercial fishermen who felt there could be an adverse impact on fish stocks.

Dr Rodolphe Gozlan, reader in conservation ecology at the university, however pointed out that “We anticipate positive things for the fish populations,” and that “Because the area is mainly sandy, the reef will allow colonisation from shellfish and corals that would otherwise not be there. That will in turn attract fish.”

Would that the Scottish Government could be more forward thinking and willing to attempt one or two radical approaches to regenerating OUR marine environment and fish stocks.